Los Angeles Anti-ICE Protests Prompt Curfew in Downtown | Mayor Karen Bass, LAPD, National Guard Respond to Unrest

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Mayor Bass Imposes Curfew in Downtown Los Angeles

Amid escalating anti-ICE demonstrations, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew for downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting Tuesday night. The curfew comes in response to consecutive days of protests, property damage, and clashes with law enforcement.

Mayor Bass emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected, the city cannot tolerate looting or violent disruptions. She confirmed that law enforcement officers will arrest anyone violating the curfew, with exceptions for residents, media personnel, and individuals commuting to and from work.

Protests Intensify, Leading to Arrests and Highway Shutdowns

Demonstrations sparked by opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have entered a fifth consecutive day in the Los Angeles area. Hundreds of protesters gathered near the Federal Building on Monday, and although events remained peaceful during daylight hours, some stores were looted after nightfall.

Elsewhere, protests in Orange County also turned volatile, with at least 10 individuals arrested outside a federal building in Santa Ana. On Tuesday afternoon, anti-ICE protesters shut down the 101 Freeway near downtown, prompting California Highway Patrol to form skirmish lines and forcibly remove demonstrators from the roadway. At least two detentions were confirmed on the scene.

LAPD Confirms Dispersal Orders and Active Arrests

The Los Angeles Police Department announced via social media that dispersal orders were issued in areas of downtown L.A., particularly near Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple. Officers began making arrests shortly after, urging the public not to interfere with ongoing operations.

National Guard Now Protecting ICE Agents During Arrests

In a significant development, National Guard troops in Los Angeles have expanded their role beyond protecting federal buildings. They are now actively providing perimeter security during ICE enforcement actions. Photos show Guard members standing watch as ICE agents carry out arrests.

Officials confirmed that while National Guard troops are not directly participating in immigration enforcement, their increased presence supports officer safety and crowd control in high-tension areas.

Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass React to Federal Actions

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a strong statement condemning the deployment of federal forces in L.A., accusing the Trump administration of using military theatrics over public safety.

“Democracy is under assault before our eyes,” Newsom said in a video address. He criticized the administration’s immigration policies, claiming they are targeting immigrant families without regard to circumstance or community ties.

Mayor Bass is also scheduled to meet with LAPD leadership this week to determine if the curfew will remain in place for multiple days.

Immigrant Communities on Edge Amid ICE Raids

Fear and confusion are growing among immigrant communities in Southern California as ICE raids increase. Advocates and legal experts urge residents to know their rights and avoid falling victim to immigration-related scams.

Attorneys stress that everyone has legal protections, regardless of immigration status, and families should prepare for possible encounters with federal agents.

As demonstrations continue and federal responses escalate, tensions remain high in Los Angeles. The coming days will be critical in determining the balance between civil liberties, public safety, and federal immigration enforcement.